Cheesy Black Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 2 slices bacon, diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 large celery, diced
• 1 large shallot, minced

• 1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less depending on your taste, we like it zippy)

• 3 (15 ounce) cans black beans, - 2 cans drained, 1 can undrained
• salt and pepper
• 1 French baguette, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 1/2 cup grated asiago cheese
• 1 cup grated smoked gouda cheese

Directions

1. 1

   In a largish pot over medium heat render down the bacon until it's just crispy bits.

2. 2

   Add the carrot, celery, and shallot and sautee until the carrot and celery start to become tender.

3. 3

   Add the beef broth and cayenne pepper and bring to a simmer, simmer for 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Add the black beans and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until the beans are heated through.

5. 5

   Using a stick blender, (or your regular blender in batches), blend the soup until smooth.

6. 6

   With the soup back on the heat stir in the Asiago until it's melted.

7. 7

   Ladle the soup into individual crocks (or other broiler proof dishes) and top with a slice of the french bread. Sprinkle each round with grated Gouda. Broil on high for about 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch it carefully!